On March 27, 2018 during the Griffin City Commissioners Meeting and again on April 2, 2018 during the Spalding County Commissioners Meeting a Proclamation declaring the month of April "Confederate History Month" and April 26 as "Confederate Memorial Day" were presented. According to the Proclamation Application form; this proclamation was bought forth by the Sons of the Confederate Veterans (which we believe to also be known as the KKK [SCV]). We the citizens of Griffin-Spalding County by signing this petition are demanding that both the City and County Proclamations be rescinded immediately. The current climate of our nation and all the violence committed against African-Americans in the name of the Confederate should be reason enough not to bring forth such a divisive proclamation into our town.

At this time we do not have any race related hate crimes being committed in our city. We the citizens would very much like to keep it that way. We fear that people who believe and support the rhetoric of white supremacy will be embolden to act upon those beliefs and bring about a level of crime the city is not prepared to handled. Mr. Barrow the applicant that brought forth the proclamation on behalf of the SCV mentioned during the City Commissioners Meeting that he was a Christian. As a Christian or a believer in Jesus Christ we should all aim to be just like him and practice the fruits of the spirit with all man kind NOT just among those that look like us or believe as we do. We should all practice having more love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Do the right thing for all the citizens of Griffin-Spalding County and rescind these Proclamations.